If Honiara seems hairier this month, there's a good reason: the men of the Australian High Commission have begun a month-long effort to raise awareness of men's health issues by growing moustaches in support of "MOVEMBER".

Movember is a month-long global charity initiative to raise awareness, support and funding for serious men's health issues, specifically prostate cancer and male mental health.

Deputy High Commissioner Dave Peebles is leading this year's Solomon Islands High Commission team.

Dr Peebles says the Australian High Commission is very proud to participate in Movember and he's looking forward to growing his moustache for such a good cause.

Almost twenty male members of the High Commission's staff have started November clean-shaven and will grow moustaches throughout the month to raise awareness and funds for the Movember cause.

Movember began in Australia in 2003 and has grown to become a truly global movement.

This is the second year in a row the Australian High Commission in Honiara has participated.